Current:Home > NewsLawsuit filed challenging Arkansas school voucher program created by 2023 law -Wealth Evolution Experts
Lawsuit filed challenging Arkansas school voucher program created by 2023 law
View
Date:2025-04-14 10:43:03
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Four Arkansas residents have filed a lawsuit challenging a school voucher program created by an education overhaul signed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders last year, saying it violates the state constitution’s protections for educational funding.
The suit filed in state court late Friday seeks to halt the Arkansas Children’s Freedom Account Program, which was created under the new law, known as the LEARNS Act. The voucher program, which is being phased in, pays for private- and home-schooling costs equal to 90% of the state’s per-student funding for public schools.
Arkansas lawmakers set aside $97 million in funding for the program for the upcoming year, with up to 14,000 students expected to participate. The lawsuit claims the program violates Arkansas’ constitution by diverting tax money intended to help public schools.
“The LEARNS Act represents a radical and unconstitutional departure from a public school system that has endured since the establishment of the state of Arkansas,” the lawsuit said.
It added that the act would drain “valuable and necessary” resources from the public school system and “create a separate and unequal dual school system that discriminates between children based on economic, racial and physical characteristics and capabilities.”
The voucher program was part of a massive education bill that also included increases in minimum teacher salaries and restrictions on how certain topics, such as gender identity, are taught in the classroom.
A spokesperson for Sanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
The Arkansas Supreme Court in October rejected a challenge to the LEARNS Act that questioned the Legislature’s procedural vote that allowed it to take effect immediately.
“We look forward to successfully defending the LEARNS Act in court as we have done before,” Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement.
veryGood! (45655)
Related
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- DeSantis-Newsom debate has sudden end, just after Hannity announces last-minute extension
- Ex-president barred from leaving Ukraine amid alleged plan to meet with Hungary’s Viktor Orban
- President Joe Biden heading to Hollywood for major fundraiser featuring Steven Spielberg, Shonda Rhimes
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Winter weather in Pacific Northwest cuts power to thousands in Seattle, dumps snow on Cascades
- Idaho baby found dead by police one day after Amber Alert, police say father is in custody
- Guinea-Bissau’s leader calls a shootout an attempted coup, heightening tensions in West Africa
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Why Kirby Smart thinks Georgia should still be selected for College Football Playoff
Ranking
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Israel says more hostages released by Hamas as temporary cease-fire holds for 7th day
- How S Club Is Honoring Late Member Paul Cattermole on Tour
- How a quadruple amputee overcame countless rejections to make his pilot dreams take off
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Vanderpump Rules Alum Raquel Leviss Makes First Red Carpet Appearance Since Scandoval
- DeSantis-Newsom debate has sudden end, just after Hannity announces last-minute extension
- Vote count begins in 4 Indian states pitting opposition against premier Modi ahead of 2024 election
Recommendation
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
DeSantis-Newsom debate has sudden end, just after Hannity announces last-minute extension
Ex-president barred from leaving Ukraine amid alleged plan to meet with Hungary’s Viktor Orban
It’s Kennedy Center Honors time for a crop including Queen Latifah, Billy Crystal and Dionne Warwick
Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
Vote count begins in 4 Indian states pitting opposition against premier Modi ahead of 2024 election
Italian officials secure 12th Century leaning tower in Bologna to prevent collapse
Kiss say farewell to live touring, become first US band to go virtual and become digital avatars